This decade has seen a deluge of catching talent reach the majors from Puerto Rico. Among the standouts are Javy Lopez (Braves), Jorge Posada (Yankees), Sandy Alomar (Indians), Javier Valentin (Twins) and, of course, Rodriguez.

The Marlins plan to send Castro to the instructional league in fall, then let him play for Santurce in the Puerto Rican Winter League. By the time he turns 23 in March, Castro could have all the seasoning he needs.

Boles thinks Castro is the kind of willing pupil who merits fast-track status.

"He's a good kid: real energetic, wants to learn, wants to be a good player," Boles said.

"He's a hard worker with good intelligence behind the plate. He's got a feel for catching. He knows what pitches to call, pitch location and selection. He's the kind of kid we love to get in player development."

Instructional league

The instructional league is back on for the Marlins.

Team President Don Smiley signed off on the decision in early July to spend the extra $200,000 or so to hold the monthlong developmental camp this fall.

"That's tremendous news," Boles said. "Best news we've had all year."

Castro will be among the 44 invited to Viera. The instructional league, runs from Sept. 17 to Oct. 20. Marlins minor leaguers will play exhibition games against counterparts from the Mets, Cardinals and Expos.

"It's an expense that's sizable," Boles said. "But for what it provides, it certainly is worth the money expenditure."

Fish bait

* Right-hander A.J. Burnett threw seven innings of no-hit ball for Kane County. Burnett, a 6-5 power pitcher with a fastball in the low 90s, had 11 strikeouts. He came from the Mets in the Al Leiter trade.

* Second-round pick Derek Wathan sat out several games after fouling a ball off his shin. Since returning, the former Oklahoma shortstop has been on a tear.

* Matt Padgett has shown a strong throwing arm in right field for Utica. Padgett was a fifth-round pick out of Clemson.

* Right-hander Aaron Akin, last year's first-round draft pick, is close to returning to action for Kane County. Akin has been shut down for more than a month with elbow weakness, but the Marlins hope he'll be pitching by Aug. 1.

* Left-handed pitcher Geoff Goetz was clocked at 94 mph in a recent start for Kane County. He will be invited to instructional league.

* Lefty reliever Travis Burgus was placed on the DL at Portland with a back injury.